[Stardust]

Let me take a different approach that I have used over the years and have yet to have a minister convey it the way I have.

First, and fundamentally, do you believe in Jesus Christ as the savior. It is a documented fact that Jesus existed. There are many writings of him as a man in Roman historical documents, most notably by Josephus, one of the most published writers during the time of Jesus. Thus, Jesus is a "real" person, not mythologically created.

Thus, if we start that Jesus did in fact exist, do you believe he is the spiritual being, the son of God, and did indeed die to become our savior. That is on faith, and faith alone. Either you do, or you do not! It's a very fundamental question for me in order to take the next step into delving into the validity of the word of God, that has been written my man. If you believe in Jesus as the true savior, then we can proceed further. If you do not, then there is no need in determining the validity of the written word.

So, if we believe in Christ, then we believe 100% of the only sinless human to live on earth. He would not lie, thus what he say's and the references that he uses, must be true.

Now we will test your faith in the written word, and God has already taught us that his word must be taken by faith. Why? Because we had to take the fact that Jesus is the son of God by Faith! So, if by faith we believe in Jesus, then we should believe the historical references that Jesus existed. So, the Bible is our guideline, but it also can be a historical document referencing things that have happened, the same as those historical documents of Josephus and others. If the bible is a historical document, then do you believe that the things that Jesus was quoted to say real and accurate?

Here is where I make my point that the bible is the truly inspired book of God, as passed through man to document the truth to us. The Bible, or history book, quotes Jesus as he ministered. Though Jesus used parables, he also (most important here) quoted verse from the Old Testament!!!!! So, do we believe that Jesus is without sin? If so, he would not quote from a writing that was written by man, he would quote the writings that were 100% accurate and truthful, that was inspired to man! So if we can agree that Jesus would not use documents that were not accurate, then we can believe that it is a fact that the Old Testament is 100% legitimate! Who wrote the Old Testament - Man! Who dictated the words to Man - God. Thus if we believe, or have faith of that, then you can easily put your faith in God that the New Testament is just as accurate as the Old!

It's complex, but when breaking down to the logical level, the above is about as good as I can do to explain to those who are in question.

Thoughts????